Brunch of the Month: Max's Wine Dive

Brunch. It’s arguably the most important meal of the gay week. So we’re launching a new series exploring some of the best spots to enjoy the perfect weekend spread. From killer cocktails to the tastiest of tacos, we’ll break down where you should be brunching right now!

Can you think of a better brunch place than one where the slogan is, “Fried chicken and champagne… Why the hell not!?” We can’t. That’s what makes Max’s Wine Dive the epitome of a perfect brunch spot.

After the success of the first location on Washington Avenue, owners Jerry and Laura Lasco brought their laid-back vision to a second location in the Montrose neighborhood at Fairview and Taft. The second location is just a stone’s throw away from the hottest gay bars Houston has to offer and has become a popular brunch restaurant for locals to gather and spill the tea on weekends.

The industrial, modern style of the space juxtaposes the high-end food and wine served to hungry patrons. Concrete floors, exposed brick walls and luxurious black leather booths scream a rock-n-roll style that is anything but stuffy. There’s even a jukebox blasting out Texas-centric music as you devour gourmet comfort food.

The defining aspect of any successful brunch is the drinks and Max’s provides a flawless option. Order from their build your own mimosa section and you will be provided with the juice and champagne of your choice. You get to control how weak, or how strong, you want to make your mimosa. Expect more than 150 wines by the glass or bottle to complement each of the sumptuous menu items. The full bar also turns out some mean martinis and sake shooters.

The menu features a wide variety of options, from birthday cake pancakes that are a cause for celebration all by themselves, to the decadent and creamy Max ‘N Cheese that any mac ‘n cheese lover has to try to believe. For me though, Max’s famous southern fried chicken cannot be beat. The chicken is roasted “slow and low” to maintain its juiciness and then served up with collard greens, fries and chipotle honey. It will transport you back to your grandma’s home cooking.

Check out the full menu and visit Max’s Wine Dive with your brunch group soon.